A measure aimed at limiting the terms of politicians in the state legislature might extend the political life span of three locals.

This should be the last year in office for state Sen. Bob Margett, R-Arcadia; state Sen. Jack Scott, D-Pasadena; and state Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles.

But if Proposition 93 passes on Feb. 5, all three will get a chance to stay for four more years.

Margett said he might consider running again if the measure passes, but he expects it to fail.

“Voters have made it pretty clear they are in favor of term limits,” said Margett. “I can’t see how this passes.”

The extra four years would give Margett a total of 17 years in office as a legislator with a career spanning portions of three decades. The current law limits legislators to 14 years in office – six in the state Assembly and eight in the state Senate.

Prop. 93 limits legislators to 12 years total, but they can serve it out in either house. It also grandfathers the current members of the Legislature.

As a result, Scott could stay in office for 16 years, and Romero for 14.

Scott said that while he supports the plan, he was not likely to benefit because he “probably will not run again.” But Scott said he had not made a final decision on the matter.

As for Romero, she has yet to take a position, according to spokesman Russ Lopez. Romero has filed to run for the state superintendent’s position in 2010, according to state documents. She wouldn’t comment on a bid for reelection in 2008 if Prop. 93 passes.

Supporters of the measure, which include several state unions, tribal casino groups, and business associations, say the measure is a matter of keeping experienced legislators in office.

“Over time, lawmakers gain experience in important policy areas, and it is a waste to keep them out of office,” said Richard Stapler, a spokesperson for a coalition supporting the measure.

But opponents of the measure have also labeled it a power grab, because it would allow some current Senate members to stay in the legislature for well over 12 years, by allowing them to run for another term if they have only served eight years in the Senate.

“If they were sincere about changing term limits, they could have worded the proposition to only include future politicians, not incumbents who don’t want to leave office,” said Kevin Spillane, a spokesman for a coalition that is opposing the measure.

Margett said his opposition to the bill stemmed from its failure to make larger redistricting reforms, which would make seats more open to competition.

“I’ve always thought redistricting should be part of any term- limits measure,” said Margett. “If our districts were changed so opposition candidates had a chance, term limits wouldn’t be such an issue with voters.”

Scott, who supports the measure, says it would be better if it were tied to larger reform issues.

“I’ve always supported campaign finance reforms,” said Scott. “If you had fairer campaign laws, people would be less focused on having restrictive term limits for legislators.”